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This book presents a comprehensive account of the transformation of Assam’s forests and ecology from early- nineteenth century to the end of the twentieth century. It locates present-day ecological conflicts in the colonial era when contest over forests, land, and resource began to take new shape.

Arupjyoti Saikia delineates how forest resources in Assam were mapped and integrated with merchant capitalism since the early nineteenth century. He shows how imperial forestry practices led to changes in traditional resource utilization patterns. The book also examines the political economy of conservation practices. It explores the question of law and conservation; role of institutions and organizations; and the changing role of the forests in imperial economy.

Forests and Ecological History of Assam argues how the making of forest policy in the post-colonial period was defined by the complexities of the political matrix. It discusses plantations, silvicultural practices, protection and regeneration of forests, and livelihood practices. The author also analyses public debates surrounding ecology and environment and changes in conservation practices after the 1980 Act.